On August 27, 2025, the SDG Local Action series hosted its 28th webinar, “Agroecological Food Production in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas.” The event featured two leading examples: Rosario (Argentina) and Belo Horizonte (Brazil). Both cities have adopted agroecology as a cornerstone of their public policies, addressing food security, climate resilience, and social inclusion. Moderated by the Economic Affairs Division of ECLAC, the session explored how local governments can transform food systems to advance the 2030 Agenda.
In rapidly urbanizing regions, the distance between producers and consumers has grown. Food often travels over 1,000 km daily before reaching the plate, increasing costs, energy use, and emissions. Agroecology provides an alternative: producing locally, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening community resilience.
The video recording of the event is available on our YouTube channel – in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
ROSARIO’S GREEN BELT: A STRATEGY FOR FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
The Municipality of Rosario has pioneered agroecology through its Programa Producción Sustentable de Alimentos, widely known as the Cinturón Verde. Established as municipal policy in 2012, it protects peri-urban land for sustainable food production while integrating urban agriculture within the city. The program is coordinated by five municipal secretariats working jointly: Economic Development and Employment, Environment and Public Space, Health (Food Institute), Human Development and Habitat, and Public Works and Planning.
Solutions
- Agroecology as a multilevel public policy: established agroecology as municipal policy since 2012 and integrated the program across multiple secretariats for holistic impact.
- Protected agricultural land: 800 hectares in peri-urban areas and 650 hectares within the urban fabric dedicated to food production.
- Agroecological transition: supported farmers in transitioning from conventional to ecological production. 120 hectares are already under certified agroecological production.
- Participatory guarantee system: farmers, universities, NGOs, and cooperatives jointly ensure standards and traceability.
- Circular economy: use of organic compost, brewery waste, and food industry byproducts to restore soil fertility.
- Renewable technologies: solar water pumps, ecological toilets, and solar heaters installed on farms.
- Responsible consumption: promoted direct food distribution through local markets and popular fairs. 19 permanent weekly sales points, plus major hubs such as Mercado del Patio and Mercado del Centro.
Main achievements
- 1,100 hectares under production (120 ha agroecological).
- 62 peri-urban producers (51 horticultural, 11 extensive crops).
- 400 urban gardens within the city.
- 21,000 tons of vegetables/year, of which 6,000 tons are agroecological.
- Improved urban resilience through increased permeable soil, biodiversity, and reduced flood risk.
- Recognized by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and international foundations for its innovation.
BELO HORIZONTE: INSTITUTIONALIZING URBAN AGRICULTURE
Belo Horizonte has a long history of leadership in food and nutrition security. In 2011, the city adopted the Municipal policy for urban agriculture and agroecology, regulated by Decree Nº 18.385/2023, which positions agroecology as a pillar of sustainable food systems. The policy integrates food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management under circular economy principles.
Solutions
- Agroecology as a public policy: institutionalized food and nutritional security as a municipal priority.
- Production on unused public land: promoting collective, community, and institutional farming units.
- Integration into public procurements: integrated fresh produce into public procurement programs (schools, community kitchens).
- Food sovereignty: strengthened short food supply chains through cooperatives and local fairs. Supporting traditional crops, medicinal plants, and cultural food practices.
- Institutional support: Municipal Registry of Urban Agriculture, provision of inputs, training, and infrastructure.
- Complementary actions: seed banks, organic compost distribution, ladybug biofactories for pest control, municipal centers for agroecology and waste management, and seedling production hubs.
- Agroforestry systems: combining trees and crops in urban areas to regenerate ecosystems.
Main achievements
- 59 collective/community productive units.
- 10 urban agroforests.
- Technical assistance and access to markets for over 200 peri-urban farmers.
- 170 institutional units supported (schools, health centers, community facilities).
- 141,683 m² of productive area across the city.
- Creation of seed banks and organic waste recycling centers that reduce food waste and close nutrient cycles.
- Supported more than 100 community urban gardens across vulnerable neighborhoods.
COMMON CHALLENGES FACED BY CITIES
Despite their progress, Rosario and Belo Horizonte shared common barriers to scaling up agroecology:
- Pressure on peri-urban land due to urban expansion.
- Financial constraints and limited budgets for scaling initiatives.
- The need for continuous technical training for farmers.
- Ensuring long-term maintenance of productive areas.
- Aligning food policies with broader urban development and climate strategies.
LESSONS LEARNED
The two cities offer concrete insights for local governments worldwide:
- Institutionalization matters: embedding agroecology into official policy ensures continuity beyond political cycles.
- Interdepartmental governance is crucial: food systems link health, environment, employment, and planning.
- Community participation ensures legitimacy: farmers, cooperatives, and civil society must co-own solutions.
- Visibility creates momentum: recognition at national and international levels attracts support.
CONCLUSION
Agroecology in the cities of Rosario and Belo Horizonte shows that food policy is urban policy. By protecting agricultural land, supporting farmers, and connecting producers directly to consumers, these cities are transforming food systems into engines of resilience, inclusion, and sustainability. Their experiences prove that local governments can turn idle land into productive landscapes, reduce inequality, and advance multiple SDGs at once.
As cities across the globe grapple with climate change, food insecurity, and rapid urbanization, agroecology offers not only a pathway to sustainable food systems but also a vision for healthier, fairer, and more resilient urban futures.